Blue Spring Run Trail

Blue Spring Run Trail winds along the crystalline spring run at Blue Spring State Park, one of the premier manatee sanctuaries in the United States. The spring maintains a constant 72-degree temperature year-round, making it an essential warm-water refuge for West Indian manatees during Florida winters. Peak season in January can bring over 100 manatees crowded into the spring run, creating one of the most spectacular wildlife viewing experiences in the Southeast.

The trail follows elevated boardwalks and natural surface paths along the spring run, offering unobstructed views into the gin-clear water below. Interpretive signs along the route explain manatee biology, behavior, and conservation efforts. Beyond manatees, the spring run teems with mullet, bass, and turtles, while ospreys and anhingas patrol the water above. The surrounding hydric hammock shelters live oaks draped in Spanish moss, creating a lush, shaded corridor perfect for leisurely exploration.